About us
**The Appalachian Mountain Club's Connecticut Chapter organizes about 1,000 hikes, bike rides, mountaineering and other events each year. Most of these do not appear in this Meetup. To get details of all of our events and to join our email lists please go to [www.CT-AMC.org](http://www.CT-AMC.org)** The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) promotes the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region. AMC is the nation’s oldest outdoor recreation and conservation organization. The CT Chapter of AMC is a statewide organization that has something for everyone who loves to explore the outdoors, for beginners or experts. We offer hiking, kayaking, cycling, trail building and maintenance and land conservation activities throughout the year. So, what sets us apart? • Trained leaders means our activities are organized, everyone stays together as a group assisting each other as needed and we follow certain safety protocols. • Group activities are open to everyone (so long as you meet the fitness and equipment requirements). Events listed as Young Members are designed for members ages 20-40 but all AMC events are open to all ages. This Meetup group is sponsored by members of the AMC Connecticut Chapter. For additional information about AMC, the CT Chapter and the activities we-sponsor, please visit [www.ct-amc.org](http://www.ct-amc.org). Thru the year, we offer more than 1000 activities. All current activities are listed on our website for each activity committee. For example, current hiking activities including skiing and snowshoeing are shown on the [chapter website](http://www.ct-amc.org/excursions/HikeListings.shtm). The AMC web site ([www.outdoors.org](http://www.outdoors.org/)) has further information about the main club including lodging, adventure travel, and more. Just a reminder that only AMC-approved leaders may lead activities that will be listed on this site. We can allow others to co-lead activities with an approved leader. If you are interested in becoming an approved leader, the next leader training is always shown [on our website](http://ct-amc.org/Education/index.shtm). **Please note:** Some events are marked "Registration Required". An RSVP here does **not** satisfy this requirement. Registration requires direct contact with the event leader, either by email or phone. \ [](http://ct-amc.org/Education/index.shtm)
Upcoming events
32
Sleeping Giant White & Violet Trails (Giant Master hike #1)
Sleeping Giant State Park, 200 Mount Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT, USActivity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 5 - Vigorous
Trip Leader(s): Mary Anne Hardy
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX00000122LJ
Audience: EveryoneDescription: A 6+ mile loop with about 1000 ft of elevation gain on the Violet and White trails. We will meet at the Mt. Carmel Avenue main entrance of Sleeping Giant at 8:45 AM and start the hike promptly at 9:00 AM. (Be ready to start hiking at 9:00, incorporate extra time BEFORE for restroom stop). Steady rain cancels. Please note that the trails at Sleeping Giant can be very rocky with some scrambling parts (both up & down). Sturdy hiking shoes with good grippy soles are a must. There is also potential for some muddy and swampy sections. We plan to hike at a rigorous pace (2 mph) and these trails have uneven terrain with some challenging rocky sections. Bring water and snacks. No dogs. You can access trail maps at this link: https://sgpa.org/trails-maps/ (both pdf and GPS-enabled maps).
Please note that this hike will be rescheduled if there is a high probability of rainy weather, usually waiting until the night before. A notification will be sent to hikers who registered and this event will be edited on the CT chapter AMC website.
Note: This is hike #1 in the Giant Master hike challenge that I will be leading over the next year., we did hike #2 on April 4. You don’t have to be participating in the challenge to attend this hike. If you are interested in the challenge - check out this link: https://sgpa.org/giant-master/ . There are six hikes in total to complete all the trails.
If you are doing the challenge, here is the information for your Giant Master Log: Today’s hike completes both the violet and white trails and the violet/blue connector. If you are doing the challenge, here is the information for your Giant Master Log: Today’s hike completes both the red circle and square trails. Email me (hardy.bujalski@gmail.com) if you want the "key" to the giant master log showing what each hike covers.Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
MA AT Section Hikes: Home Road (Great Barrington) to Route 23 (Monterey)
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Claire Rusowicz
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX00000152Bt
Audience: AdultsDescription: Continuing a series of mostly moderate hikes covering the AT in MA, this approx. 6-6.5 mile section begins at Home Road, ascending uphill through rocky woodlands and then continuing along a ridgeline with several short ascents/descents. W e pass through East Mtn. State Forest, which was affected by the 2024 November Butternut Wildfire, and visit the Tom Leonard Shelter, before climbing up to a ledge over scenic Ice Gulch, a beautiful ravine where ice can linger among boulders at the bottom even into summer. The trail continues along the edge of the Gulch, descends another cliff, crosses through open woods and across Lake Buel Road until we reach Route 23. Expect several small stream crossings, spring wildflowers and birds, and a first-hand view of nature's restorative powers at work throughout East Mtn. Bring water and snacks/lunch. Poles can be helpful for steepish ascents/descents. No dogs, please. REGISTRATION WILL BE LIMITED due to limited parking at both trailheads (car spotting is required.). Rain cancels. RAIN DATE: May 3. Leader will provide more details on mileage and exact parking directions to registered hikers the day before the hike morning.
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
Our Annual GIVE-A-DAY to the Connecticut Appalachian Trail - 2026 Edition
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Trail Work | Trail Work
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Charles Ward, James Liptack, Richard Cady, David Boone
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX0000014uxV
Register By: 5/1/2026
Audience: EveryoneDescription: This is the Connecticut Appalachian Trail Committee's major event, and a great first-timer opportunity to learn about trail maintenance while giving back to the AT! There will be projects for all skill levels--you can select an activity to suit your interest. This year our focus will be on the northern end of the Trail in Connecticut, including the Undermountain Trail, Limestone Springs, and Prospect Mountain.
Meet at 9:00 AM at the First Light picnic area/canoe launch on Dugway Road, across from the Falls Village power station, and just south after crossing the Falls Village "Iron Bridge' (at 41.957323 N, 73.370537 W; see map at right). A brief recognition of volunteers will be held, followed by our short, yet entertaining, tool safety talk. Social Hour follows the projects at the end of the day. Participants are encouraged to bring food and beverages to share at the social.
Bring work gloves and wear suitable work clothing. Bring lunch and plenty of water. All other tools and training will be provided by the CT AT Trails Committee.
PLEASE NOTE ACTION REQUIRED: Federal agency and management partners enable volunteer service on the A.T. and extend certain protections to volunteers under National Parks Service "Volunteers in Parks" program. If you haven't already signed the required form, you MUST do so prior to participation in this activity. That form may be found at this link: https://www.tfaforms.com/4840969Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
20s & 30s Zoar Trail Loop
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Lee Thao
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX0000013UVd
Audience: 20’s & 30’sDescription: Join us for a waterfront adventure on the Zoar Trail in Sandy Hook! This loop offers a perfect mix of rugged ridge hiking, peaceful lakeside paths, and a hidden gem of a waterfall. 🌊🌲 We’ll start by following the blue-blazed trail through the lower block of Paugussett State Forest, winding through shaded hemlock groves and hardwood forests. The highlight of the day is the long stretch along the banks of Lake Zoar , where you’ll get constant water views and a front-row seat to the Housatonic River. We’ll also take the short spur to see Prydden Brook Falls , a dramatic multi-tiered cascade that tumbles down toward the lake. Be ready for a few technical sections—this trail has some fun rocky scrambles and a steady climb to keep things interesting! This route is roughly 6.4 miles with ~1,115 ft of gain — a moderate, rewarding loop with some of the best water features in the area.
🎒 What to Bring: 1.5+ liters of water 💧 (It’s a bit longer than the Giant!) Snacks/Lunch to enjoy by the lake 🥪 Sturdy hiking boots 🥾 (Essential for the rocky shoreline and rooty climbs) Bug spray 🦟 (The lakeside sections can be buggy in warmer months) 🅿️ Parking: Parking is at the end of Great Quarter Road . FREE – CT-Registered Vehicles (via Passport to the Parks) Out-of-State Vehicles: Fees generally apply from April–October (approx. $10 weekdays / $15 weekends). 🍻 Social: After the hike, we’ll head to Jewel of Himalaya in Newtown CT (about a 10-15 minute drive). Specializing in traditional Himalayan dishes like Momos (dumplings) and flavorful curries, this local favorite is known for its authentic Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine. The restaurant's cozy and welcoming atmosphere provides the perfect warm and flavorful reward after a day on the trail.
📧 Confirmed participants will receive: Weather updates A Google Sheet for optional carpooling Exact meeting location at the trailhead
Connecticut Forest & Park Association: https://ctwoodlands.org/trails/zoar-trail/ Connecticut's Official State Website: Paugussett State Forest Lower Block Blue Blazed Zoar Trail Map AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/connecticut/zoar-trail Jewel Of Himalaya: https://www.jewelofhimalayact.com/Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendee
Past events
1644
Group links
Organizers
Members
3,812
